Gunnison GorgeNational Conservation Area - Colorado |
Just north of Montrose in west-central Colorado lies the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a diverse landscape ranging from adobe badlands to rugged pinyon and juniper-covered slopes. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River.
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Map of the Summer Designated Bike Route System in White River National Forest (NF) in Colorado. Published by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).,
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Brochure and Map of Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) and Wilderness in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Visitor Guide to Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) and Wilderness in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM9.
Colorado Recreation - Backyard to Backcountry. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Camping on Public Lands in Colorado. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Gunnison Gorge NCA
https://www.blm.gov/visit/gunnison-gorge-national-conservation-area
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnison_Gorge_National_Conservation_Area
Just north of Montrose in west-central Colorado lies the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a diverse landscape ranging from adobe badlands to rugged pinyon and juniper-covered slopes. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River.
Boating – Launch Sites
Chukar Trail and Boat Launch are accessible via
the Chukar Trailhead. The trail can be accessed
via a primitive, rough road, often requiring fourwheel drive that ends at the wilderness boundary.
From there it’s a mile-long hike down Chukar
Trail to the river. All gear, including boats, must
be carried down the trail to the river. No carts
or wheeled devices are allowed in the wilderness.
A commercial horse packing service is available
seasonally.
Gunnison Forks Day-Use Recreation Site offers
public launching and take-out on BLM land. There
is an adjacent private river access site available
for a fee at the Gunnison River Pleasure Park.
Cottonwood Grove Campground is located on
river-left 1.5 miles downstream from the Gunnison
Forks. It can be accessed from the river or by
vehicle via the South River Road. The campground
has six sites with picnic tables, a toilet and boat
ramp. The campground features a universally
accessible campsite with an adjacent accessible
fishing pier.
Orchard Boat Launch is the last public boater
take-out on the Gunnison River before Confluence
Park in Delta. Boaters need to be aware of private
lands and potential river hazards before floating
the river downstream of the NCA.
Gorge rapids vary from Class I (moving water
with no obstructions) to Class IV (long, difficult
rapids with constricted passages). Rapid difficulty
changes dramatically with varying river flow. If in
doubt, SCOUT!
Running the Gorge
TRAILS AND
STAGING
AREAS
ALLOWED
USES
DESCRIPTION
MILES
Flat Top-Peach
Valley OHV
Recreation Area
Staging Area
Off-route cross-country riding permitted in two
designated “open play” areas. Peach Valley staging area offers a beginner loop and training area.
100+ miles of trails
covering 9,800 acres.
Steep climbs and rocky terrain. Single track and
jeep road sections extend along the western
wilderness rim from the national park boundary
north to Ute Trailhead.
13 miles, one-way.
Red RocksNighthorse Trail
OQI
JKO
I
Wave-Eagle
Jeep/OHV Route
NQJ
KOI
Primitive four-wheel drive jeep road. Loop
includes moderate hills with very rocky terrain.
Access off Peach Valley Road. Easier if traveled
counterclockwise from Wave Road.
6.5-mile loop.
Sidewinder Trail
JKO
I
Technical, multiple-use, single track trail runs
north and south along NCA’s west side. Numerous access points including Smith Mountain Recreation Area, Eagle Valley Trailhead, Wave-Eagle
Loop, Bobcat, Duncan and Ute Roads.
Entire trail is 20 miles in
length. Shorter or longer
rides/hikes are available
by combining with other
roads or trails.
Eagle Valley
Trail
JKO
I
JKO
I
Single track trail begins off Chukar Road and
connects to Sidewinder, Wave and Sunset Rocks
Trails.
1.25 mile, one-way.
Single track trail connects to other single track
routes. Access off Chukar Road.
3 miles, one-way. Combine with Eagle Valley
Trail and Chukar Road
for 6 mile loop.
West River Trail
(Day Use Area)
JK
Provides great opportunities for walk-wade fishing. Access from South River Road. No camping
or sleeping in vehicles at trailhead.
2.5 miles, one-way.
Cool Rock
Canyon Trail
J
Winds through colorful sandstone canyon with
interesting rock formations and fun places to
explore. Great family hike. Located off South
River Road.
Up to 3 miles, one-way.
Fun hike up and back through scenic sandstone
canyon. Good family hike.
Up to 2 miles, one-way.
Panoramic views of Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
and North Fork. Connects to Ute Trailhead and
makes a loop with South River Road.
14-mile loop (Smith Mtn
Rd/wilderness rim/South
River Rd).
RIVER MILES
RAPID
CLASS
DESCRIPTION
1-6
Chukar Rapid
III
Single drop at the put-in. Most run center at higher water and
right slot at lower flows.
Run One Miler
III
Run left of the large center hole or rock depending on flows.
Improvise Rapid
(mile 1.5)
III
Recognized by a small vertical cliff on right and a prominent rock
slide on left. Scout left.
Upper and Lower
Pucker
II+
Narrow slots at low flows. Large holes at high flows (>2000 ft).
Buttermilk Rapid
III
Run at mile 4 straight down the tongue and watch out for the cliff
on left.
Ute Park (mile 4)
I/II
The canyon opens up and the river gets shallower. Watch for
rocks in low-flow periods. Ute Park provides the most campsites
in the Gorge and good fishing access.
Suncliff Trail
Red Canyon
Rapid
III
The canyon narrows again at a rocky rapid requiring technical
boating skills. Scout right.
Smith Mountain
Jeep Loop
Boulder Garden
III
This used to be a Class IV rapid. Flooding in August 2010
altered the hydraulics, making it less difficult. Recommend
scouting (left), as it is unknown what effects high flows may have
on the rapid.
J
NJK
OIQ
Smith Mountain
Recreation Area
Staging/trailhead
area for all uses
Provides access to Smith Mountain jeep roads,
South River Road, Sidewinder and other trails.
Trailer parking for equestrians and motorized
users.
Located on H-75 Road at
NCA north ent
GU NNISO N GOR GE
N ATIONA L CONS ERVATI ON AREA
AUSTIN
HOTCHKISS
TO DELTA
TO CRAWFORD
elcome
to the
Where is the Gunnison Gorge
National Conservation Area and Wilderness?
Denver
Ute Road
Grand
Junction
Colorado
Springs
Montrose
Duncan Road
GUNNISON GORGE
WILDERNESS AREA
Bobcat Road
OLATHE
The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) is
located about seven miles northeast of Montrose in westcentral Colorado, just downstream from the Black Canyon
of the Gunnison National Park. It encompasses approximately
57,725 acres of public lands in Montrose and Delta counties.
The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is located in the heart of the
NCA within the extremely scenic double canyon system of the
Gunnison River. It encompasses approximately 17,700 acres of
public lands, including 14 miles of the Gunnison River, extending from the northwestern boundary of the Black Canyon of
the Gunnison National Park north to a point approximately
2 miles downstream from the confluence of the Smith Fork
and the main stem of the Gunnison River.
What is a National Conservation Area?
Chukar Road
BLACK CANYON
OF THE GUNNISON
NATIONAL PARK
NCA is the designation given by the U.S. Congress to special
lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
There are 14 NCAs in the Nation, and each is managed in
accordance with the special provisions provided by the
legislation that designated the area. Specifically, Congress
designates an NCA to permanently protect and conserve
identified resource values of national interest.
How do I access the Gunnison Gorge NCA?
National Conservation Area
Wilderness Area
National Park Area
Campsite
Picnic Area
Handicap Accessible
Restrooms
Parking
N
MONTROSE
BUREAU OF L AND MANAGEMENT • MONT ROSE, COLORADO
The Gunnison Gorge NCA is located approximately 50 miles
south of Grand Junction. Falcon Road, east off U.S. Highway
50, about 10 miles north of Montrose and just south of Olathe,
provides access to the NCA from the southwest. Follow this
paved road to its end where it turns north onto the unpaved
Peach Valley Road. The Peach Valley, Ute, Duncan, Bobcat,
Chukar, and all other NCA access roads on both the east and
west side of the Gunnison River Canyon are rough, four wheel
drive roads that are impassable when wet. High clearance,
4WD vehicles are recommended.
Delta County Road 2200, located approximately 10 miles
east of Delta on Colorado Highway 92 near Austin, provides
access to the NCA from the north. Follow the signs south to
Peach Valley Road.
The northern end of the NCA can also be accessed from the
BLM Gunnison Forks Day Use Area located approximately 13
miles east of Delta. Look for the Gunnison Forks/Pleasure Park
sign and paved County Road 28.10 south of Colorado
Highway 92.
How do I access the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area?
The four main trails into the Gunnison Gorge are accessed via
the Chukar, Bobcat, Duncan, and Ute access roads located
off the main Peach Valley Road on the western side of the
NCA. See Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area map and
“Wilderness Access Roads and Trails” section on reverse side
for more information on these trails.
The Chukar Road and Trail provide the main access for
boaters. Boaters must either carry their gear down the
one-mile Chukar Trail to the put-in or arrange for a pack-in
by the BLM permitted horsepacker. Contact Larry Franks
(970) 323-0115 to book a pack-in.
What services are provided in the NCA?
Restrooms and picnic areas are provided at the Chukar,
Duncan, and Ute trailheads. There is no charge for the use
of these trailhead facilities or camping in the non-wilderness
portions of the NCA. Camping in the Wilderness is restricted
to designated primitive campsites (no facilities). Backcountry
toilets are at the bottom of the Chukar, Duncan, and Ute
trails. User fees are charged in the Wilderness area. See trail
head information on how to pay fees, register, and reserve a
Wilderness campsite.
The Gunnison Forks Day Use Site at the northern end of the
NCA provides easy walk-in river access, a natural surface
(river rock) boat ramp, picnic tables with shelters, restroom,
and a sanitation dump station. Camping is not allowed at
the site, however, camping is provided at the private
Gunnison River Pleasure Park located adjacent to the BLM
area. The Pleasure Park also provides parking, boat ramp,
restrooms, showers, and eating facilities in addition to river
shuttles, raft rental, and other commercial services. Call the
Park (970) 872-2525 to book a river shuttle or for more
information.
G UNN ISON G ORG E WIL DE RNES S A REA
WILDERNESS REGULATIONS
These regulations apply to all users in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
and River Canyon from the downstream boundary of the Black Canyon
National Park (just upstream of the Chukar boater put-in) to the North Fork
Confluence. Visitors traveling into the Park from the Chukar are required to
pay BLM user fees. Boaters traveling downstream from the Park are not
required to pay BLM user fees bu
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Colorado
Recreation
Backyard to Backcountry
Map
Guide
& Guide
BLM Colorado Recreation
Backyard to Backcountry
M
ore than a quarter of public lands in
Colorado are managed specifically
for recreation and tourism. Recreation on
BLM lands is all about the visitor’s freedom
to choose where to go and what to do.
Unlike many other recreation destinations,
the BLM’s public lands are still quite
rustic. There are no entrance stations and
comparatively few developed recreation
areas.
Diversity is the name of the game in
Colorado, from our lands, to our recreation
opportunities, to our adjoining communities. Dozens of nearby communities
provide permitted guiding and outfitting
services, gear and equipment sales, and
lodging. BLM Colorado is always seeking
recreation partnerships to enhance visitors’
experiences and provide quality recreation
opportunities.
Public lands are not set aside solely
for recreation; they offer energy potential
and—in an increasingly urban world—vast
open spaces. In many places, the flavor
of the Old West is still plainly visible—in
historic mining structures as well as
contemporary ranching activities.
syMBOLs Legend
A
J
K
V
C
A
N
T
E
G
S
Camping
Hiking
Horse Trail
Historic Site
Rock Climbing
Mt. Biking
4WD
Wildlife Viewing
Fishing
Back Country Byway
Kayaking
Cover Photo: Kevin Krill - Crested Butte Photography, Penitente Canyon
Top: Photo ©Jerry Sintz, Animas Forks
Bottom: BLM Photo by Matt McGrath, McInnis Canyons NCA
1 |
O
T
D
Q
E
P
Q
I
H
B
W
Dirt Bike Trail
Rafting
Hunting
ATV Trail
Scenic Geology
Fossil Site
Scenic Area
Winter Rec Area
Snowshoeing
Canoeing
Off-Highway Vehicle
Know Before you go
BLM Colorado Offices
9
1
Craig
8
3
Kremmling
Meeker
10
2
DENVER
Silt
6
4
5
7
6
Grand Junction
7
8
Gunnison
Montrose
3
5
Cañon City
1
2
4
9
10
Monte Vista
Durango
ROyAL gORge FIeLd OFFICe
sAn LUIs VALLey FIeLd OFFICe
gUnnIsOn FIeLd OFFICe
TRes RIOs FIeLd OFFICe
UnCOMPAHgRe FIeLd OFFICe
gRAnd JUnCTIOn FIeLd OFFICe
COLORAdO RIVeR VALLey FIeLd OFFICe
KReMMLIng FIeLd OFFICe
LITTLe snAKe FIeLd OFFICe
WHITe RIVeR FIeLd OFFICe
For additional information, contact
the local BLM field office for the area
you are planning to visit, or go to
www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/
recreation-activities/colorado.
B
LM Colorado wants you to have the best experience possible on your public lands. When
planning your trip, take all necessary safety precautions and be aware of regulations.
Take into consideration the weather conditions, necessary equipment and wildlife
inhabiting the area.
CAMPIng
BLM-managed public lands provide a
variety of options for overnight trips:
• developed campgrounds may include
a variety of facilities, such as restrooms,
potable water, fire rings, picnic areas,
garbage cans, tent pads, etc.
• dispersed (undeveloped) campsites are
normally recognized by a hardened surface
with no vegetation, where others have
already camped. Use pre-existing fire rings
or firepans, and be sure you know the local
fire restrictions.
TARgeT sHOOTIng
Target shooting is permitted in most
locations on BLM lands in Colorado.
However, some areas are closed to target
shooting for safety and resource protection.
To ensure the well-being and enjoyment of
all visitors on public lands, please follow
laws, regulations and guidelines.
OFF-HIgHWAy VeHICLes
To ensure that all visitors have a chance to
enjoy their public lands, visitors must abide
by vehicle travel designations. In most
BLM areas, OHVs are limited to operating
on roads and trails that are identified on
travel maps and/or posted as available for
motorized use. Please check in with your
local field office for more information on the
best locations for motorized recreation.
CULTURAL sITes
Archaeologists study cultural sites to help
understand the past. These important sites
act as an outdoor classroom for all ages
and provide insight into the lives of previous
cultures. Collecting artifacts–including
arrowheads–from federal public lands or
Indian Tribal lands is illegal under federal
laws and regulations. Violators may face
prosecution and prison sentences of up to
one year or more and possible fines.
Never touch painted or plastered walls,
petroglyphs or pictographs. The oil and dirt
from hands can eventually destroy these
remnants of past lives. Leave all artifacts
exactly where you find them for others to
enjoy.
| 2
BLM Colorado offers a diversity of recreation
activities and destinations. Here are a just few of
the highlights:
FIsHIng
With four gold medal trout waters and three
blue ribbon waters, some of Colorado’s
best fishing is found on BLM public lands.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area,
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
Area and the Upper Colorado River are just
a few areas that offer excellent fishing
opportunities.
ByWAys
Several scenic and historic byways such
as the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway,
Dinosaur Diamond Scenic and Histor
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Leave What You Find
• Prehistoric and historic sites help
us understand our past (collection
of artifacts is against the law).
Camping
TM
Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Know the special concerns that go
along with traveling in the back
country. Minimize risk by planning
a trip that matches your skills
and expectations, and prepare for
hazards and emergencies.
• Please leave rocks, plants, fossils
and other natural objects as you find them.
N
W
E
S
TM
• Visit in small groups when possible.
• Protect riparian areas by camping
at least 200 feet from lakes and
streams.
TM
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires
completely, then scatter cool ashes.
TM
• Use a lightweight stove for cooking, and enjoy a
candle lantern for light.
Respect Wildlife
• Never feed wild animals.
• Good campsites are found, not made.
Dispose of Waste Properly
• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your
campsite and rest areas for trash
or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,
leftover food, and litter (including
toilet paper and hygiene products).
Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Where fires are permitted, use
established fire rings, fire pans, or
mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks
from the ground that can be broken
by hand.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Durable surfaces include
established trails and campsites,
rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.
on Public Lands
• Enjoy rock art by viewing it, not touching it.
• Control pets at all times.
• Observe wildlife from a distance.
Do not follow or approach them.
TM
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8
inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp
and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when
finished.
TM
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating,
nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• Respect other visitors and protect
the quality of their experience.
TM
BLM/CO/GI-18/0015
BLM Colorado State Office
2850 Youngfield Street
Lakewood, CO 80215
(303) 239-3600
www.blm.gov/co
BLM Photo
For more information, please contact:
CAMPING ON BLM PUBLIC LANDS
IN COLORADO
DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED
CAMPSITES
There are more than 8 million acres of public land
in Colorado, most of which is available for camping.
This brochure is published by the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) to help you enjoy camping on public
lands, while preserving the quality of those lands for
future generations.
Building your camping adventure around your vehicle is
one popular way to enjoy your public lands. Developed
campgrounds have a variety of facilities available: a
toilet, picnic tables, a fire ring, potable water, tent pads,
and garbage cans. These sites may require a daily fee,
which helps fund the care and maintenance of the site.
You can also find developed campgrounds in nearby
communities or on lands managed by other agencies.
Developed site camping carries responsibilities for being
a good neighbor to your fellow campers, and leaving a
clean campsite for the next visitors.
Although the BLM builds and manages campgrounds
on the public lands in some areas, not all recreation
attractions have developed recreation sites nearby.
Undeveloped sites are normally recognized by a hardened
© Jerry Sintz
There are several options for staying overnight on public
lands managed by the BLM in Colorado. You can camp
within a vehicle, trailer, tent, or under the stars. You
can enjoy a developed campground or any number of
dispersed (undeveloped) sites, backpack or camp on
a remote trail. Depending on where you go, available
facilities and services vary widely. Please think about the
following considerations as you decide what best fits
your particular recreation outing.
surface with no vegetation where others have already
camped. Please use pre-existing campfire rings, and
make sure you know fire restrictions that may be in place
in your area. Camping at an undeveloped site brings the
additional responsibility of packing out what you pack in,
and properly disposing of human waste. Please observe
the Leave No Trace Skills and Ethics guidelines outlined
on the back of this brochure.
BLM Photo by Bob Wick
BLM Photo
CAMPING
Whether you take a short hike, an extended backpack
trip, or mountain bike into the backcountry, more remote
camping requires a greater level of preparation, additional
gear and equipment, and more knowledge about how
to care for yourself and the environment. Backcountry
camping also carries an obligation to leave areas looking
as you found them or even better for the next visitor
to enjoy.